Preparan fiestas patronales

There will be an official presentation on Thursday of the program schedule for the festivities honoring the patron saint of the islanders, the Virgin of Immaculate Conception, which will take place from Saturday, November 28 to December 8th. During these eleven days, the traditional celebrations will include processions with the image of the Virgin by various groups, unions, cooperatives, and guilds; singing of mañanitas; fireworks; dances; and the customary procession in the Isla Mujeres Bay, which includes the boats of the fishermen and tour providers.

The ~20 groups include cooperatives of the fishermen and tour providers, unions, women's groups and youth groups, as well as the Conchitas. (Concha / Conchita is the nickname of the icon of the Virgin of Immaculate Conception.) The holidays begin with taking down of the image from its niche and a procession through the downtown area. The priest of Isla Mujeres, Raul Sanchez Alonso, will be in charge and will announce the details of the festivities, which will include confirmations and first communions, and could be attended by the Bishop of Cancun.

Four events were held in Isla Mujeres to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, which occurs on November 25th yearly. This day was established by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1999 to encourage governments and nongovernmental organizations to organize activities to raise public awareness about the problem of violence against women. The City, led by mayor Agapito Magana Sanchez, and the DIF social service agency, led by Marthy Vargas Leon de Magana, coordinated and promoted these activities, which involved various sectors of the community, including the children.

Councilwoman Miriam Trejo Leon, president of the Commission on Equality and Gender, was one of the main proponents of this initiative, which also involved Francis Rios Magana, Director of the Isla Mujeres DIF. He said the activities began with the putting up of posters about the elimination of violence against women around the island by the Niños Difusores de sus Derechos. (Children Diffusors of their Rights...a group of children who educate other children).

The following primary schools participated in drawing competitions based on this theme, with prizes for the winners: Andrés Quintana Roo, César Mendoza, and the morning and afternoon shifts at Julio Saury.

There was a march that included women and men, led by the mayor, with City employees, City Council members, City officials, and DIF staff which went from the Benito Juarez monument thru the downtown streets to the Casa de Cultura, where an interesting, motivating, and informative speech was given by Lic. Addy Garcia Guerrero.

This date that is dedicated to fighting for the elimination of violence against women was chosen to commemorate the brutal assassination in 1960 by Dominican ruler Rafael Trujillo of the the Mirabal sisters, who were political activists in the Dominican Republic. (They were known as Las Mariposas...the butterflies. LINK to "In the Time of Butterflies" trailer w Selma Hayak, followed by the movie. )

Today (Wednesday) we are having a march commemorating the International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women and Girls

On Thursday evening at the Casa de Cultura there will be an inauguration of an exhibition of 20 photographs taken in Isla Mujeres and five paintings made on papel amate (paper handmade from bark, as it was by Mayas and Aztecs in precolonial times) and the painter-photographer will speak to the public, islanders and visitors, about taking photos daily with your mobile device.La tarde de este jueves en la Casa de la Cultura se inaugurará una
interesante exposición de 20 fotografías tomadas en Isla Mujeres y 5
pinturas realizadas sobre papel amate. La expositora, Rosanna
Festival, pintora y fotógrafa, pondrá a consideración del público isleño
y visitantes, imágenes cotidianas capturadas con su dispositivo móvil.

The National Tournament of Veterans over 45 was inaugurated and the delegates were presented for the National Soccer Federation, as well as the president of the Quintana Roo Federation and the members of the Soccer Committee of Isla Mujeres. Inauguramos el Torneo Nacional de Veteranos 45 y más, durante la
patada inaugural estuvieron presentes el delegado de la Federación
Nacional de Fútbol y el presidente de la Federación en Q. Roo e
integrantes del Comité de Fútbol en Isla Mujeres.

Denuncia

Gusts of wind associated with cold front #14 caused interruptions in internet and TV service in many neighborhoods of the island, which generated complaints against the company providing service. The company explained that the network was down along the stretch of road going to Garrafon Park, and their technicians were already working on repairing it.

Ayuntamiento

This information has been translated about today's event in La Gloria at the sports dome that begins at 9am, sponsored by the state Institute for Adult Education to provide a wide variety of social services for free in a direct, quick, and efficient manner.

Expansion of airfield is viableViable ampliación del aeródromo. [+] Ver mas
Enrique Lima Zuno, representative of the business community, said a proposal to rescue and and expand the Isla Mujeres airfield could involve the filling in of the adjacent salina lake, to build hangars and a parking area for a cruise ship dock, which could be located in front of Colegio Bachilleres. The businessman and regatta promoter said the proposal about cruise ships still stands, despite the problems and controversy, and the business community considers it feasible to continue to pursue that proposal with all three levels of government.
Regarding the rescuing of the airfield, he spoke about its first expansion 52 years ago, when it was extended from 500 meters to 1250 meters, in preparation for the arrival of former President Miguel Aleman Velasco, for the inauguration the following year of Zacil-Ha Hotel. Now the runway needs to be extended to 1500 meters, to meet the requirements of this destination.

The History

In late 1963, In preparation for the inauguration of the Zacil-Ha Hotel (now Mia), the family Lima Zuno contracted the services of engineer Rodriguez Peon Mier y Teron and of the Yucatan contractor Contratista Aliados, to construct 'las balsas' (a barge/raft) in Puerto Juarez to transport the machinery across that was needed to expand the runway from 500 meters to 1250 meters.
In mid-1964, the extended runway opened with the arrival of the former President for the inauguration of Zacil-Ha Hotel, and after that scheduled passenger flights (avión de ruta), began arriving as this destination was promoted, and shortly thereafter Cancun was promoted. Native islanders agree that commercial operation of the property declined when Cancun eclipsed Isla Mujeres and absorbed all the tourists.
At the end of the 1980's, operations by the ASA (Aeropuertos & Servicios Auxiliares) were terminated and in 1994, custody passed into the hands of the Mexican Navy. This continued until the celebration of the Day of the Navy of Mexico when administration was officially returned to the government of Quintana Roo, which had been assisted by the island business community.
Sr. Lima Zuno said, "For 14 years, we have been pushing for authorization for the operation of the runway; not only for domestic flights, but also as a port of entry for international flights". He is pleased that the return of the airfield's administration to the state government has been achieved. He said rescuing the property will involve renovating the tower and small passenger area, adding tar to the runway, which is still in good condition, and extending it from 1250 meters to 1500 meters.
He added that an economic study was done with the Kin Wolker airfield of San Petersburg, Florida, and said, "They offered us help concerning what is needed to receive and dispatch small private planes at our small terminal. We don't want scheduled passenger flights (avión de ruta), we are authorized for private and chartered small aircraft, which can serve people coming for sports fishing, whale shark tours, and to enjoy our beaches, rather than scheduled passenger planes whose noise would bother the residents.
Regarding the filling in of the salina area south of the runway, he said this is an area of stagnant water; in the cleaning of the opening of the access to the Makax lagoon, that material obtained by dredging can be used to fill in area of the salina by the runway and Bachilleres. Then it would be possible to construct private hangars and Naval hangars, a fueling area, and the possibly, in the future, a large station for cruise ships, with a plan to construct a cruise ship pier in front of Bachilleres, said Lima.
He said since 14 years ago, the Civil Aviation Authority has been supportive concerning the process of internationalizing the airport, since there are already offices on the island for Immigration, Customs, and International Health. He said the paperwork just needs to be completed before the end of this administration.

Men of the sea without incomeHombres del mar sin ganancias .. [+] Ver mas
The remnants of cold front #14 caused the port to be closed for a third day for navigation by small boats, while winds were gusting up to 40 kph. According to the forecast of CONAGUA, the National Water Commission, more stable weather is expected for Thursday, but several seamen believe they won't be able to go out, while some of the lancheros think they will be able to conduct recreational tourism and go to Isla Contoy National Park.
However, by the next day, there will be the effects of cold front #15, which is expected to be a factor throughout the weekend. The fishing boats remained safely at the docks and beaches of the cooperatives, while the seamen are waiting for the climate to improve so they can catch lobster and fish. The tides are high and the waves are impacting the eastern seawall that protects downtown, which this newspaper has disclosed continues to weaken, while the season of the (strong) northern winds is just beginning.

Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed.

A large slider
opens from each of the 3 rooms onto the patio where each has a table
& chairs, hammock & clotheslines. The BBQ is behind the pole,
and the outdoor shower is outa the pic at left.

Large studio (Norte), I'm standing in the kitchen

Free
amenities such as
hammocks,
bikes, outdoor shower,
portable beach
chairs &
beach towels,
washer, loungers & BBQ.
Breathtaking
panoramic views from the
rooftop terrace. Upstairs room also available.Downtown
is ~ a mile away; if
you don't feel like
walking or biking, flag a $2 taxi or hop
on the bus. We also have
room for parking,You can enjoy the music & crowds downtown, then
come home our
quiet neighborhood of Bachilleres where you'll sleep to the sounds of the sea.. $275/$325/$425 wk $40/50/$65nt Monthly Discounts

Fine
dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the
traditional neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Stroll
five minutes down the coastal sidewalk to Mango Cafe,
Bahama Mama, Brisas, or Manolitos. Walk less than 10 minutes to shop at
Chedraui or to dine at Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, or Seso Loco.
Visit marinas, bars, & beach
clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Our guests recommend the
Yoga classes a couple villas away at hotelito Casa
Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks
away in the village, as well as a
variety of other stores and small local restaurants.

Nov. 13 Friday Zumba event at the Taxista lodgeNov. 13-16 is Buen Fin when discounts are widely available

Friday, Nov. 13 at the Casa de la Cultura 6p Book presentationCaribbean Culture Festival 2015 will be held outside the Casa de la Cultura, Nov. 13-15,
all events are free. Residents & Visitors are invited. See changes below in Sunday's schedule & location

Friday, Nov. 13
at 7pm, there will be a performance by the dance
troupe Alma Caribeña; La Trova Islana, the band Gil Harry SevenF, and
the headliner is Cuban Jazz musician Isaac Delgado and his band.

Basketball on Nov. 14 & 15 at the Convention Center

Saturday, Nov. 14 at 7pm, there will be a performance by the
Symphonic Orchestra of Quintana Roo, featuring songs written by
isleños, including Virgilio “El Chino” Fernández and his son Virgilio
Fernández. It will be at the building next to the Catholic Church on the Town Square.

Sunday, Nov. 15 Celso
Pina & Pato Machete are rescheduled for Sunday Nov. 15 at
8pm at the Mundaca Hacienda, followed by Cuban band Timbalaye.

Monday, Nov. 16 at 8pm, Mundaca Hacienda, a performance by Charanga Habanera; whose
leader David Calzado is known for the hit “Gozando de la Habana”.

Monday, Nov. 16 Day off for Revolution Day

Friday, Nov. 20 8am Parade commemorating Revolution Day. The route is down Rueda
Medina from the entrance of Naval base to the Monument to the Pescador
and the official reviewing stand will be at the pedestrian crossing in
front of the Magana dock.

This free photography exhibition continues thru Monday Dec. 7, featuring
the biological richness of Isla Mujeres and its native flora and fauna
at the Casa de la Cultura Isla Mujeres. It includes 70 photos, rotated thru in groups of forty, taken by local amateur photographers.

Approximately Nov 28 - Dec 8 Festival for the Virgin of Immaculate Conception, the Town Saint. is held annually. Link

Coming in December.....

On Thursday Dec. 3 and Tues. Dec. 29 you are invited to come to the esplanade (outdoor plaza) of the Casa de Cultura Isla Mujeres for the 10p food samples (from 5-7) and the artist fair (from 4-9), & dance troupe performances.

Coming December 25-30! Performances by dance troupes of the National
Congress of Mexican Folkloric Dance..."A fragment of the mosaic mural of
Mayan culture"

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...

MVC Guests from Ontario wrote...

We have returned to Maravilla Caribe and we consider it to be a gem. Is it a luxurious resort? No. On the other hand, it's the kind of place where you feel comfortable sitting outside with a beer and watching the ocean, reading all afternoon in a hammock or going for a long walk along the shore. To sit on the patio with a plate of fresh fruit and a cup of coffee is my idea of the perfect morning. It's like having your own little private beach cottage - it's not fancy but that's not what we're looking for. A 15 minute walk takes you into the busy little town, full of great little restaurants and shops, and a $3 taxi ride will get you just about anywhere on the island. The landlord is friendly, accommodating and genuinely cares about and knows the local community. For anyone who wants a lavish package vacation, this obviously isn't the place for you - there are plenty of resorts that will fit your needs. Maravilla is a simple, lovely place to get away from it all.

Visits Since June 2011

Taunya from Washington wrote

Hi Ronda,

I want to say thank you again for a fabulous vacation! Your studio was perfect! Having the extra space, kitchenette and dinning table made the space perfect for a long stay. Your little details like coffee filters and ice cube trays made it feel like home. I also really appreciated that you were there if I needed anything, but that you also let me have my space.

Being out of downtown, yet close to everything made the location perfect. Add the beautiful beach and it couldn't have been any better!

Thank you so much! When I return to Isla I will be back on your doorstep. Happy Holidays!

MaraVilla Caribe Bed & Beach Guests Say..

Judy from Ohio wrote...I stayed at Maravilla and absolutely loved it. Beach and patio was kept very clean and since handicapped I would spend the days on patio with my laptop at table right outside my room. Each room had table/chairs in front of room. Not many places on isla you have the beach right outside your door-saves alot of money instead of renting beach chairs and buying drinks downtown. I also do not like crowded beaches and stacks of chairs next to each other as on the north beaches. You hear absolutely no street noise just the waves hitting the shore. There were bikes free to use, beachchairs free to take to downtown, and free washer/dryer to use. The price is excellent value and the owners live there so they do not need to list with an agency giving renters better $ value. Isla is not for everyone. But condo/luxury hotels now line the once beautiful North Beach for those wanting the Cancun version of places to stay, so sad, plus $$$$. I prefer peace,quiet, and great value. Not many places with sunrise/sunset views.

Renee from Toronto wrote...

For some of us, there comes a time when we prefer peace and quiet to hustle and bustle. For a few regrettable years, I got off buses and lined up with the rest of the schmucks to check in for the all inclusive 'experience'. I set the alarm daily to head down with everyone else to make dinner reservations for the pleasure of eating soggy Sushi served by brusque Bahamians. I wore the wristband of shame, identifying me as an easy mark on any excursion. I tipped and cajoled the bartender for extra shots of rum. I listened to the drunken monologues of people who get to cut loose just once a year. With the all inclusive experience, your fate is not entirely your own...

And then I tried something else, the self catering experience - more a case of here's your key, here's your apartment, have fun! Settle in, stock your fridge, stock your bar and you're off to the races. Happy hour is whenever you choose. No lining up at a buffet. Snorkel on your own time. Open a bottle of wine and cook a leisurely dinner - no one's rushing you out for the next seating. Sleep in and eat breakfast when you want, don't worry about the dining room being closed.

That's the experience I prefer these days. And Mara Villa doesn't disappoint. You get exactly what you pay for: a clean and comfortable room with everything you need. The experience is great for people who like to 'do their own thing.' In essence, staying at Mara Villa is like having your own private beachfront villa.

Amenities include good wifi, towels, sheets, dishes, pots and pans, a fridge and freezer, drinking water, hammock hooks, and a clothesline. Bonuses include a patio with tables and chairs, a charcoal BBQ, a beach for watching the sun rise over the water, and a rooftop for watching the sun set over Cancun (also good for star gazing and extreme suntanning).

The local bus passes by the front door and costs 4 pesos to head downtown. A taxi is about $2 into town. Chedraui, the big grocery store, is less than 10 minutes away by foot. Grab a cheap cab home if you've really stocked up.

Ronda is a great host - a storehouse of island information about where to eat and what to do. Bruce, her husband, is an avid snorkeler and can point you in the best direction off their private beach for underwater wildlife. I was lucky enough to see dolphins swimming offshore one day. Close to shore I also saw a barracuda, a sting ray and a pair of graceful Caribbean squid. The usual tropical fish abound as well.

It's worth noting that Mara Villa is located on the east side of the island, windward. The shore is more dramatic and rocky, but there are very few, if any, mosquitos. The west side of the island is calmer and more traditionally 'beachy', but mosquitoes abound at dawn and dusk. With the rocky shore, you need water shoes for entering the water and swimming, but you have the beach all to yourself at Mara Villa. Head to the sublimely Caribbean style North Beach if you miss the crowds.

I spent almost a month at Mara Villa and it was the calm, casual and relaxing experience I craved. I will be back to Mara Villa, but I won't ever go back to an all inclusive.

Call or WhatsApp (01) 998 937 8014

Click here for link to menus from most of your favorite restaurants & more information.

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Jane C from Penland wrote...

My friend and I just stayed at Maravilla Caribe, December 20-25, 2012 and we had an absolutely wonderful experience. The owner, Ronda made me feel comfortable before I arrived, providing helpful information about travel to the area. She made an extra effort to secure a larger room for us, which was perfect. Maravilla is quaint, charming, clean & comfortable. We loved the bright green color of the house! The kitchenette was simple, clean and well equipped with everything we needed to prepare meals. The beds are very comfortable and Ronda provides lots of clean towels. She even offered to let us use the washer/dryer and bicycles for free! The best part (other than the low cost) is you have your own private beach in the back! It is a beautiful place that I highly recommend.

Carol D from Peterborough wrote.....

Hello I stayed at MaraVilla, la Casa Verde :-), Dec 10 to 20 this 2012 for my first time and would not hesitate to return. This is my 11th year staying on the island and I have stayed at many places. The location is amazing, and the owners have modified the patio doors so that those of us who want to hear the waves all night can do so with security. They were super helpful at every turn and what meant the most to me is that they really care about their guests and are friendly. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch together. The room was spacious and clean. At MaraVilla there are only 3 rooms facing the water so it is peaceful, quiet and private. At MaraVilla, there were workers out painting the house in front and raking the beach and it was well maintained. There were no rocks on the clean tile patio. you do need water shoes to wade in to the water but it is worth it. And if you want to go to a more perfect beach i.e. no reef etc then one could go and pay 150-200+ per night at Playa Norte (but you won't hear the waves from your bed or have the privacy or owners that care about you!!). The bed was comfortable, mattress good, sheets in good shape and clean (more than i can say about the place i had the misfortune of staying in Progresso!!). Honestly you get what you pay for in this world and if you were to go to Tulum, or San Filipe or Progresso you are sure getting much more bang for your buck at MaraVilla in the 50-65 dollar range!!! If you are a 5 star resort person I would say stay at a 5 star resort, but if you enjoy the waves, quiet, privacy and caring owners then stay at this MaraVilla the Casa Verde :-)

Noska from Austin wrote....Maravilla is one of the coolest little spots on the isla.The hosts are awesome,location perfect,rooms are clean and affordable

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Music:

Fayne's has late night live music, starts ~10p

Poc Na has late night live music

El Patio House of Music on Hidlago has live music evenings, usually HH show 5p, continues at 7p.

Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo live music some evenings ~7-11

La Terraza ~10-12

Fenix ~2p~5p Sundays, live music on the beach

Veradara's restaurant: live Cuban music weekend afternoons

Walk around Hidalgo at night & listen for live music

Strolling musicians working for tips available afternoons & evenings

Click on the map for more info

And check out the Ixchel mural at MVC by Colegio Bachilleres (Aeropuerto)

MVC recommends these & we have a few to loan to guests, who say they are Very Helpful